A review of current understanding in tribochemical reactions involving lubricant additives

Abstract Lubricants have played important roles in friction and wear reduction increasing efficiency of mechanical systems. To optimize tribological performance, chemical reactions between a lubricant substrate must be designed strategically. Tribochemical are enabled or accelerated by stimuli. Tribochemically activated additives play these reactions. In this review, current understanding mechanisms under shear has been discussed. Additives such as oil-soluble organics, ionic liquids (ILs), nanoparticles (NPs) were analyzed relation to the tribochemical reaction routes with elements metallic substrates. The results indicated that phosphorus, sulfur, fluorine, nitrogen key for resulting tribofilms from zinc dithiophosphates (ZDDP) molybdenum dithiocarbamate (MoDTC) widely reported, yet ILs NPs need investigate further. This review serves reference researchers design new lubricants.